Caravaggio flops ; Everest in doubt

The likelihood of an international runner in The Everest has taken a nose dive following a career-worst run by second favourite Caravaggio in France overnight.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained colt will head for a break after defeats at his past two starts, casting doubts on a trip to Australia.

Caravaggio finished back in sixth behind Brando in the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest after another poor beginning, with the result coming a month after his first defeat in the July Cup Stakes at Newmarket.

While O'Brien didn't rule out heading to Sydney for The Everest post-race, he said Caravaggio was in need of a break.

"I don’t know what’s on or off yet, but he needs a bit of a rest," O'Brien told Racing Post.

"I don’t know really what happened. Maybe I ran him back a bit quick after Newmarket."

Caravaggio sits on the second line of betting at $7 for the $10m race with William Hill.

Chautauqua heads the market at $4.60 with Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign the only other runner under double figures at $8.